PS 3537 
.092 S6 
^1900 
Copy 1 



inE SONQ 

OF... 

A ROBIN. 







1 



THE SONG 



OF 



A ROBIN 



BY 



/ 

GRACIA SOUTHWORTH. 



Love is still ouf guiding star. 



ALBION, MICH. 
1900. 



F 



Library of Congress 

"Iwo Copies Received 
im 16 1901 

o- Copyright entry 
^o-^. I Co I ^ C } 

^0 XX^_ lOSc OU 



SECOND COPY 



News Job Dep't Print, Marshall. Mich. 



THE SONG OF A ROBIN. 



Love is still our guiding star. 







SING, sweet robin, life is gay, 
' Tis the flowery month of 
May, 
Sing and call your loving 

mate, 
Swinging o'er the orchard 

gate; 
Come and build your 
down-lined nest, 
In the purple lilac's crest ; 
Here your sweetest. notes prolong. 
Spring is meet for love and song. 



Listening to 3^our joyous song, 

Many recollections throng. 

Orchard bloom, and spring's soft skies, 

Waken tender memories. 

As a dream, too bright to last, 

Comes a vision of the past, 

When with youth and hope elate, 

First I met my peerless Kate. 

In the busy town of Dee 

There I met my destiny. 

' Twas a noisy, mining town, 

Where the tall, black chimneys frown ; 

Where the miner's dingy cot. 

Seems to typif\^ his lot. 

While beyond the river blue 

Stately mansions met the view. 

Far off in my northern home, 
Ere the gentle spring had come, 
By a wasting fever low, 
Convalescing then but slow ; 
Uncle Robert wrote to me : 
" Visit now the town of Dee 
Here a mineral spring so pure, 
Has effected man^^ a cure." 

4 



So I came at his belies't, 
For the summer was his guest ] 
At his genial hearth and board, 
Health and strength were soon restored 
Then I roved the country round, 
Rarest plants and minerals found, 
Fished for hours in rivers clear, 
Sketched the landscape far and near. 

Ever will that summer be 

Linked with fondest memor3\ 

Early left an orphan lone. 

Few the kindred I had known, 

Now my uncle's kindly care 

Filled my heart with pleasure rare. 

I, his sister's only child. 

Oft his leisure hours beguiled. 

Round his home tall, stately trees 
Flung their pennons to the breeze ; 
Here with no one to molest, 
Man3^ a robin built its nest, 
Waking me at dawn of day 
With its earl3^ roundela3^ 
Since that time the robin's song 
Wakens memory's tenderest throng. 

5 




^ •« 



(I. 



Close beside my uncle's home. 
Stood a grand and stately dome. 

Here she dwelt, m\^ bonny Kate, 

Petted child of kindly fate. 

Perfect form and perfect face, 

Manners of enchanting grace, 

Gentle and refined was she. 

Soon the best of friends were we. 

Sweetest story ever told, 
Ever charming tho ' tis old, 
Still it seems forever new. 
Soon the friends to lovers grew, 
Happy love that knew^ no fears. 
I had seen but twenty years ; 
Just a boy, m3^ uncle said. 
As he gravely shook his head. 

Boy, or man, the die w^as cast, 
' Twas my first love and m3^ last. 
Fairest maiden ever seen, 
Kate was only seventeen. 
Now we drove and w^alked together, 
Through the pleasant summer weather, 
When we strayed 'neath starry skies, 
All the w^orld seemed paradise. 

7 




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<«• 



3 t5 

S * 

M C 

•a bO 

M O 

.2 ^ 



Once there came to her a boat, 
Daintiest bark that ' ere did float, 
^'Gift," she said, ''from Cousin John," 
And she christened it the " Swan," 
Then we steered the boat afar, 
Where the snowy Hlies were. 
And I crowned her golden hair, 
With a wreath of liHes fair. 

Once we moored our little boat. 
Where the water lilies float, 
Whiled away the golden hours, 
As we culled the starry flowers. 
Round that day fond memories twine, 
For she promised to be mine. 
Lilies blossom and decay ; 
Brightest hours must pass away. 

Oft we walked the river's side. 
Gazed across its margin wide ; 
Where the clouds of smoky brown. 
Hung above the miners' town ; 
Here in damps and dangers dread, 
Many miners toiled for bread. 
Then the gentle-hearted Kate, 
Grieved to see their hapless fate. 

9 



Of her father she besought. 

That some kindly change be wrought ; 

Better wages, fewer hours. 

For the women books and flowers, 

His reply, '* You know them not ; 

They're a thriftless, shiftless lot ; 

And these schemes on which youVe bent 

Would but foster discontent. 

** All these plans that have been tried. 

Make them more dissatisfied. 

In the agent here I trust, 

He is honest, firm, and just ; 

Knows these men for whom you sigh. 

Better far than you or I. 

In the gay world you must shine. 

Leave these themes for heads like mine." 

But mj^ uncle, nobler man, 
Listened kindly to her plan ; 
Promised aid to her designs, — 
Both were owners in the mines. 
I, in selfish happiness, 
Gave small thought to their distress, 
Yet I longed for their relief, 
Since it brought to Kate such grief. 

10 



Summers can not always last. 

All too soon the bright hours passed, 

Now the autumn days had come, 

I must seek my northern home, 

There resume my former work, 

In a banking house a clerk ; 

But a life apart from Kate, 

Worse than death seemed such a fate. 

Then I sought her father's side. 
Sued for Kate to be my bride ; 
She, his only child and heir ; 
He, a purse-proud millionaire, 
Scorned my suit with cold disdain, 
Said we ne'er should meet again. 
For they soon would cross the sea. 
Absent many years to be. 

Katie loved me, this I knew, 
She had promised to be true, 
So my hope would fondly cling. 
To the changes time might bring ; 
Parting came with tears and pain, 
" Shall we ever meet again ? " 
" O, my love, for thee I'll wait, 
*' ' Till we reach the pearly gate ! " 

11 



In my northern home afar, 

Kate was now my guiding star, 

*^ Heart, '^ said I, ''be brave and strong, 

Though the waiting time be long. 

In my breast there woke a strife, 

For a nobler, purer life, 

Thot more worthy I might prove, 

Of that woman's peerless love. 

Then I gained the esteem of men. 
Often had promoted been. 
Fortune showed a smiling face, 
And I held an honored place. 
Welcomed in society, 
Where fair women smiled on me. 
But my heart was desolate, 
Severed from my darling Kate. 

Oft I wrote, but all in vain, 
Ne'er could I an answer gain. 
Pride and v^rath within me burned, 
When my letters were returned . 
Through my friends that lived in Dee 
News from Kate was brought to me, 
First in Paris, then at Rome, 
Not a w^ord of coming home. 

12 



Ever was my love the same, 
Till one day this message came, 
From a friend across the sea : 
^' Kate is married ! " This to me, 
Was a dire and fatal blow, 
All my fondest hopes laid low. 
Ah, no more I breathed her name. 
Scornful cynic I became ! 

— Sing, sweet robin, spring has flown, 
And the tender violets gone, 
Though a thorn' has pierced thy breast, 
And the ^^oung birds flown the nest ; 
Sing and cheer th}^ drooping mate, 
Where she sits disconsolate. 
Seek some leafy, cool retreat, 
Sheltered from the summer heat. 

Time flies on, with fleetest wings, 
Chance and change, to each it brings. 
When my uncle died at Dee 
All his wealth was left to me. 
In the mines I held a share, 
I v^as now a millionaire. 
But my heart was desolate, 
I lost all in losing Kate. 

13 



Years rolled by, we met again. 
It was on a crowded train, 
She was slightly in advance, 
But I knew her at a glance. 
O, my heart beat wild and loud. 
As I struggled through the crowd. 
By her side I gained a seat, 
" Katie, is it thus we meet ? " 

As my faltering accents fell. 
Then I saw^ she knew me well, 
And with infinite surprise 
Gazed on me with startled eyes. 
But with courteous self command 
CordialW she took my hand. 
And our greetings calm and free, 
Seemed to me but mockery ! 

Hours we journeyed on the train, 
Hours to me of bliss and pain. 
We conversed of trivial things, 
Of the pleasures travel brings. 
Of the scenes we now passed through, 
As the merest friends might do ; 
Memories came thronging fast. 
But she spoke not of the past. 

14 



Said they soon should cross the sea 
There their future home would be. 
Then I spoke, abrupt and plain : 
*" We may never meet again, — 
Tell me I beseech of you, 
Why it was you proved untrue, 
Wh3^ you scorned my letters so, 
Have I not the right to know ? " 

Pale as marble was her cheek. 
For awhile she did not speak. 
*' Not one line was e'er received. 
Both of us have been deceived ! 
And they told me you were dead 
Long before I came to wed ! 
Now the past we must forego, 
' Twas my father willed it so ! " 

Silence fell on both a space, — 
When I glanced upon her face. 
Sad, I marked her lashes wet, 
O ' er those eyes of violet ! 
And it grieved me much to see, 
That those tears were shed for me — 
Then I said, '' Let not the past, 
O ' er your life its shadow cast. 

15 



** Bravely now I yield to fate — 

Tell me, are you happy Kate ? " 

*' Since/' she said, " I needs must speak,' 

And a faint blush tinged her cheek, 

'' Though the truth my pride will task. 

Still you have the right to ask, 

Since your life is marred by me,— 

I who would have died for thee I '* 

" Frankly now will I confess. 
That I seek not happiness, 
Duty's path before me lies, 
This must now my heart suffice ; 
Calm content and inward peace. 
Which is more than happiness ; 
In my duties as a wife, 
I have passed a tranquil life. 

"Truest faith and honor share 
With the the man whose name I bear. 
Now, my friend, the past forget, 
And you may be happy yet ; 
Win some noble woman's love, 
And a blessing it will prove." 
But I answered, "Never, Kate, 
Wait for me at Heaven's gate." 

IG 



Then we talked the journey through, 

As the merest friends might do, 

Of my plans I told her free ; — 

I was traveling now to Dee, 

That my friture home was there, 

And the mines would be my care ; 

''I remember well," said Kate, 

*' How I mourned their wretched state, 

'' What a power you now possess, 
Their dark lives to aid and bless : 
Now to Dee you're going back. 
You will meet my Cousin Jack ; 
And I almost envy you, 
Comradeship with one so true ! 
When I early lost my mother. 
He became to me a brother." 

*' Older far was he and wise, 
Much I owe to his advice. 
And his gentle sister Ruth, 
Soul of innocence and truth. 
In m^^ dear old home they dwell 
Soon you'll meet and know^ them well. 
Now my journey's end is near. 
And my husband meets me here. 

17 



*' Farewell friend, let not the past 
O ' er your heart its shadow cast. 
May your life be bright and fair, 
Is my earnest wish and prayer.'' 
Brokenly I answered : '' Kate, 
Meet me at the pearly gate," 
And her face was sad and white, 
As I helped her to alight. 

Carefully I scanned the face, 
Of the man with courtly grace. 
Who advanced to take her hand, 
In a way supremely grand. 
And to me a nod and stare. 
With a supercillious air, 
Not a jot did he unbend, 
As she said, ''An old time friend." 

Quickl3'' to the car returning, 
"All my soul within me burning ; " 
Faster than the speeding train, 
Passions surged through heart and brain. 
For that ill-assorted pair. 
Standing at the station there, 
Pity, love ancl grief for Kate, 
While for him was scorn and hate ! 

18 



In the car a vacant place, 
Lacking one rare form and face, 
In my heart was stj^gian night, 
Not one star the gloom to light. 
Every limb was racked with pain, 
Would I ere be warm again ? 
Then I felt that I was ill. 
Sinking in an icy chill. 

When at Dee I left the cars, 
Helped by kindly passengers ; 
Old time friends were there to meet 
And my coming home to greet, 
When they saw me fainting xhere, 
Bore me to my home with care 
Then my consciousness I lost, 
With a burning fever tossed. 

Days and weeks w^ere lost to me, 

In my pain and misery ; 

And it seemed a heavy chain, 

Pressed upon my burning brain ; 

Phantoms round my couch would press 

Mocking ine in my distress, 

And my lips seemed parched with thirst, 

Near where cooling fountains burst, 

19 



When one da3^ I woke again, 
Very weak but free from pain, 
Doctors watching me with care, 
Hekl a consultation there. 
Spoke one doctor old and grim, 
''Soon there '11 be a change in him, 
Should he live ' till morning light, 
Then perhaps we'll win the fight." 

Now I dimly understand 
I am on the border land ; 
Faintly came my low drawn breath, 
Trembling 'tween life and death. 
Then my sainted mother mild. 
Whom I lost while A^et a child, 
Came and stood beside my bed , 
Laid her hand upon my head. 

Lulled me with a sweet refrain 
And I was a child again, 
Called me "Willie," smoothed my hair. 
Bade me say my evening prayer : 
"Now I lay me down to sleep " 
Soon was lost in slumber deep, 
Fainter, fainter came my breath. 
Was it sleep or was it death ? 

20 



When I woke the morning Hght, 
Thrilled me with a vague delight, 
Gone were all my fancies wild ; 
I was '^ as a little child ! " 
Everything within m^^ view 
Seemed lo me so strange and new. 
At my side a kindly face, 
Beamed on me with winning grace. 

As he smoothed my close -cropped hair, 
With a brother's loving care, 
Gently laid his hand on mine, 
And his presence cheered like wine. 
Then I found a voice to speak 
Though ' t was very faint and weak. 
Looking in his eyes of blue, 
*' Where am I, and who are you ? '* 

He replied, '* You are in Dee 
This your future home to be, 
You are ill, you have been worse, 
And today I am your nurse," 
Then he gently raised my head 
Turned m^^ pillows, smoothed my bed. 
To m3^ lips a cordial pressed 
Tenderly inviting rest. 

21 



Much improved was I next morn. 
But my gentle nurse was gone, 
Then I longed to see his face. 
Of another in his place, 
This I questioned, "Who was he. 
That was with me yesterday ? " 
" He's the parson, John La Clear, 
Preaches to the miners here," 

'* All the weeks that here you lay, 
He's been with you night and day, 
Giving me a chance to rest. 
He's the grandest man and best. 
And he lives next door, you see, 
With his wife and children three." 
Then my memory coming back. 
This I said is " cousin Jack." 

Here in Katie's home he dwelt, 
And rejoicing now I felt, 
That in him I found a friend 
Constant till my life should end. 
And his wife, the lovely May, 
Bright and sparkling as the day 
Formed on nature's noblest plan 
Fitting mate for such a man. 

22 



When again I walked abroad, 
With my health and strength restored, 
Then I found a change was wrought, 
In my very life and thought ; 
I had now a peace of mind. 
That for years I could not find, 
Calmly now I thought of Kate, 
Being reconciled to fate. 

Now I longed to join the strife, 
Of an active, worthy life, i 

Since the mines were left to me 
This my lifelong vy^ork should be, 
To improve the miners' lot ; 
To this end I gave much thought, 
Sought for aid and counsel near, 
This I found in John La Clear. 

And his wife, the lovely May, 
Always happy as the da3% 
And her sweet -voiced sister Ruth, 
In her innocence and truth. 
Gave their aid to every plan, 
As the v^omen only can : 
Gathering the children in, 
They were sure their hearts to win. 

23 



At tlie home of John La Clear, 
I was held a brother dear. 
Often there was found as guest^ 
Always welcome to the best ; 
While his rosy girls and boy, 
Greeted me with shouts of joy, 
And my lonely heart would thrill. 
When they called me " Uncle Will." 

Oft we planned and studied here, 
How the miners' lot to cheer, 
In a loft^^ maple wood, 
Soon a church and schoolhouse stood ; 
Sundays miners gathered here, 
Listening to John La Clear, 
And his earnest words of love, 
Could not fail their hearts to move. 

Ruth possessed a priceless dower, 
In a voice of magic power, 
This rare gift she freely brought, 
And the miners' children taught. 
When the little children sing, 
Pleasure in the home ' t will bring ; 
Music hath a wondrous spell, 
And its influence, who can tell ? 

24 



From the first this vow was made 
No saloon should here invade. 
Now a cheerful restaurant, 
All these places did supplant, 
Fragrant coffee, cocoa, tea, 
Were to miners furnished free. 
When thes«e changes were obtained 
Greater peace and order reigned. 

Every cottage we repaired. 
No expense or time was spared, 
All that science could invent, 
To insure 'gainst accident. 
Though our force of men was large, 
Not a man could we discharge, 
Many applicants each day, 
We w^ere forced to turn away. 

Under fifteen not a boy 
In the mines could we employ' ; 
For with us it was the rule, 
Every child should be in school ; 
In our pleasant reading hall. 
Books and papers free to all. 
Worthy books — enduring prize — 
Treasures from the good and wise. 

25 



Then we bought a tract of land, 
This a scheme we long had planned ; 
Next we built a *' miners home," 
Where the aged ones might come, 
Here the invalids were brought, 
Little children her^ were taught, 
Orchards, gardens, vineyards, planned, 
Miners named it, "Beulah Land." 

Though our project seemed so fair, 
Not with truth could we declare 
That each miner proved a saint. 
No one needed a restraint. 
For to us it was quite clear. 
The millenium w^as not here. 
Human nature 's much the same, 
In the church or mining claim. 

Though w^e felt we were repaid, 
For the efforts we had made. 
Great the difference w^e could see 
In our miners compan3^ ; 
Some were honest, true and just. 
Faithful men that we could trust ; 
Others, quarrelsome and rude. 
And opposed to ever3^ good. 

26 



Some through years of bitter toil, 

Were content to strive and moil, 

Just to work for bread alone, 

' Till their hearts seemed turned to stone ; 

Of no higher things they dreamed ; 

All indifferent they seemed ; 

Oft La Clear would say of such, 

" We must not expect too much." 

One there was, his name was Lee, 
And a skillful workman he, 
Knew the mines from start to end. 
Him we sought to gain as friend ; 
Oft in kindness we would plan, 
How to reach this wdlful man ; 
But we only met rebuff. 
And his words were coarse and rough. 

When we closed each whiskey shop, 
And to drinking put a stop, 
Then it was we crossed his path. 
This it was that roused his wrath. 
He a leader lon^ had been 
Had great influence with the men. 
To the church he ne'er would come. 
Kept his wife and children home. 

27 



At his home John called one night, 
Hoping he might set him right ; 
But he rudely said, " La Clear, 
I don't want a parson here ; 
For my bread I have to work 
While you stand around and shirk. 
Make your converts where you can, 
I ' ve no faith in God nor man." 

" For a God of wise designs 
Never would have made these mines, 
Just a trap for human life, 
Where we slave ' mid dangers rife. 
Here my father's life was lost, 
Since, upon the cold world tossed, 
God nor man, e ' er cared for me. 
And I care for none," said he. 

All our efforts seemed in vain, 
This poor miner's heart to gain 
' Till he met an accident, — 
Which it seemed was heaven sent ; — 
' Twas a crushed and broken limb. 
Then as friends we cared for him ; 
Skillful surgeons we procured. 
And all needful help secured. 

28 



Gave his family timely aid, 
And his wages weekly paid. 
Lying helpless on his bed, 
Many thoughts were in his head. 
And the past came o ' er and o ' er, 
As it ne ' er had done before. 
Weeks of pain and suffering past, 
Convalescence came at last, 

*'Come with me," said John LaClear^ 

*' Sister Ruth and Ma^^ my dear, 

To the home of Harr^^ Lee, 

For today he sent for me, 

And your mandolin we ' 11 bring 

For he longs to hear you sing ; 

Music is his great delight, 

You must sing your best tonight." 

Gladly answering the call, 
Had it come from palace hall. 
Not more willingly they went ; 
And their gift of song they lent. 
Seeking solace to impart 
To the miner's troubled heart. 
Sweetly rose Ruth's matchless voice, 
And this song she made her choice : 

29 



*' Like as a father pities bis child, 
So the Lord pities the sinner defiled ; 
Waiteth in kindness, pities our blindness, 
Longeth to welcome, tho ' often reviled. 

" Line as a father, when we believe, 
Merciful still he will gladly receive ; 
Listens to hear us, blesses to cheer us, 
Pities whenever his spirit we grieve. 

" Like as a father, ever the same 
He hath created and knoweth our frame 
Watcheth the straying, guardeth the praying. 
Bids us to trust in his almighty name. 

••Like as a father, constant is he, 
God in compassion regardeth our plea, 
In need he conieth, precious the promise, 
Father in heaven, forever to be." 



Oh ! the sacred power of song, 
Waking feelings dormant long ; 
Music was the magic art, 
That could win this miner's heart, 
O ' er his face his hands he clasped , 
While the tears were falling fast. 
Glancing kindly at the man, 
Ruth this tender song began : 



•' 1 walked thro' the woodland meadows 

Where sweet the thrushes sing. 

And found on a bed of mosses 

A bird with a broken wing ; 

I healed its wing and each morning. 

It sang its old sweet strain, 

But the bird with a broken pinion 

Never soared as high again. 

30 



*•* I found a yonug life broken, 

By sin's seductive art, 

And touched with a Christ-like pity, 

I took him to my heart, 

He lived with a nobler purpose 

And struggled not in vain. 

But the life that sin had strickeji 

Never soared as high again. 



" But the bird with a broken pinion, 
Kept another from the snare, 
And the life that sin had stricken 
Raised a brother from despair. 
Each loss has its compensation, 
There's healing for each pain. 
But the bird with a broken pinion 
Never soared as high again." 



When she paused we gathered near, 
Whispering words of hope and cheer. 
Brokenly he murmured, '' sing, — 
' I ' m a bird with a broken wing ; ' " 
Then she sang a song of love 
For the higher joys above. 
Of a soul to Jesus given 
Now resolved to live for heaven : 



" I look for stormy days, 

I look for hours of care, 

I welcome them, they bear me on, 

Where God and the angels are ; 

I wander now no more. 

Not all that earth can give. 

Can tempt my footsteps from that shore 

Where God and the angels live. 

31 



*' Only a narrow space, in the midst of ; 

boundless sea 
Where one by one, my friends are gone, an< 

soon will call for me. 
Jesus is all my hope, to Him my soul I give. 
He'll guide me to that blissful laud, 
Where God and the angels live.'* 



Then he called for John La Clear, 
As he brushed aside a tear; — 
" O, forgive me if you can, 
I believe in God and man. 
God it was who sent you here, 
These poor miners' lives to cheer. 
Now my soul to God I give, 
In his service I will live." 



Never greater change could be, 
Than was wrought in Harry Lee, 
Since the time when threatening Saul, 
Was transformed to saintly Paul ; 
Great his influence with the men 
When a leader he had been, 
Now he strove their lives to win 
From the paths of vice and sin. 



But the injuries he sustained, 
Slightly through his life remained. 
Though he could not mine again, 
Now he worked for souls of men. 
Soon the change we long had sought 
In the miners' lives was wrought 
And to God we rendered praise, 
Wonderful his works and ways. 

" After loves of maids and men, 
Are but dainties dressed again," 
Truly thus the poet sung, 
When his heart was gay and young ; 
But when locks are thin and gray 
After loves have cheered the way. 
Constant though our hearts may be 
Still we long for sympathy. 

When I saw the gentle Ruth, 
In her lovliness and youth, 
When her sweet -toned voice I heard, 
Something in my bosom stirred. 
And I longed again to prove. 
All the charm of woman's love ; 
In my breast awoke a strife, 
Should I seek her for a wife ? 

33 



Then I counselled with La Clear, 
He my confidant so near, 
Told him freely of my life ; 
All its bitterness and strife, 
How my life w^as overcast. 
With the shadows of the past ; 
Of the stern and cruel fate, 
That had severed me from Kate. 

"Now," said I, ** since this has been 

Many a lovely girl I ' ve seen 

But my heart like stone would prove, 

To the charm of woman's love ; 

But, I ' ve thought, since Ruth I met, 

She might teach me to forget 

All the sorrows of the past, 

And its dreams, too bright to last. 

" But I fear ' t would not be right, 
Since my heart has known such blight, 
To entwine a life so free, 
Ruth is far to good for me ; 
She is gifted, young and fair, 
Could she ever for me care ? 
In this suit could I succeed, 
And 3^our brother be indeed ? " 

34 



Answered John, with thoughtful brow 
*' You are more than brother now ; 
If I thought Ruth loved you well, 
It were not for me to tell, 
You from her the truth must find, 
First be sure you know your mind. 
If indeed this thing might be, 
Great the joy 'twould bring to me. 

" Love is a thing too pure and high, 
For a fancy to put by. 
' Tis the grandest thing on earth, 
For in heaven, it has its birth ; 
And a serious wrong and great. 
Has been done to you and Kate ; 
By her father it was wrought, 
And much sorrow it has brought. 

" In this case, I dare not say, 
Aught to influence either way ; 
God in this must be your guide, 
And your own heart must decide." 
Then I said my feet shall roam, 
Once again my northern home, 
I will tarry there a space. 
In that dear, familiar place. 

35 



I will climb the mountains wild, 
Where I wandered when a child ; 
Seek again the forest shade 
Where a happy child I strayed. 
There where none but God is near 
He wnll make my duty clear, 
Place my future in his hands, 
All is safe when he commands. 

When I left my friends at Dee 

There were those who mourned for me. 

All the miners gathered near, 

Giving me a hearty cheer. 

Blessings on my head, did call, 

I was father to them all. 

For these men my heart did yearn 

As I promised to return. 

John's dear children loved me so, 
ThcA^ were loth to let me go. 
But I said, " I ' 11 soon return. 
Now your lessons you must learn," 
Gave them bon bons and advice 
Said I ' d bring them something nice. 
Then said Phil, '' bring me some gum. 
And beside I want a drum." 

36 




cj ji 



'' Now my little Maud, and Lou, 
Tell me what shall I bring you ? " 
Modestly the precious ^irls, 
Asked for dolls with flaxen curls, 
Then I gave them each a kiss, 
Saying " I ' 11 make note of this." 

Then said Ruth with feigned glee, 
'* You may bring a song to me." 
As I said, ''goodby my friend, 
Soon to you a song I ' 11 send," 
Something told me in her eye 
I might win if I would try ; 

That she might to me belong, 
This sweet gifted child of song. 

As I left this household band, 
John and May each took a hand, 
'*God be with you, night and and day," 
Said the sympathetic May ; 
Gravely John took the refrain 
"Till we all shall meet again." 

" The hills of New England, how proudly they 

rise 
In the wildness of grandeur to blend with the 

skies, 
With their fair azure outlines and tall stately 

trees, 
New England, New England, I love thee, for 

these! " 



How I roamed among the hills, 
Drank from silvery sparkling rills ; 
Sought the forests grand and wild, 
Where I played a happy child ; 
And I viewed these scenes again, 
With a bliss akin to pain, 
In my heart I felt alone 
Those I loved the best were gone. 

In the church yard oft I strayed , 
Here my father's form was laid, , 
Ere my eyes had seen the day, 
He was called from earth away. 
Here some gentle tears I wept, 
Where my sainted mother slept. 
Early had her spirit flown, 
Leaving me, a child, alone. 

Friends and distant kinsmen here. 
Made me v^elcome with good cheer ; 
And some pleasant days days I spent. 
Blest with health and well content. 
But the brightest hours to me. 
Roaming in the forest free, 
When from every one apart, 
I was near to nature's heart. 

39 



Here one day my soul to cheer, 

Came a letter from La Clear ; 

This he wrote : " We miss you, Will, 

More than words of mine can tell ;. 

Miss you in familiar talk,. 

As we take our morning walk ;, 

Miss you in the hour of »ong ; 

Miss you in the social throng." 



Then I said, O! heart of mine, 
Why such happiness decline ? 
Leave the past, its bridges burn,. 
To these friends and Ruth return. 
Surely now this must be right 
And I w^ill decide tonight. 



Strange is human destiny ^ 

All our life is mystery ; 

Trivial things will oft decide, 

What stern logic has defied. 

Through the night I strove to gain 

Light to make my duty plain, 

Turned the matter o ' er and o ' er, 

Undecided as before. 

40 



— Then a sound fell on mj'- ear 
Gentle music, soft and clear ; 
' Twas a robin's song I heard, 
Fondest memories it stirred, 
As it gently called its mate, 
All my son] was turned to Kate, 
Now a faint light filled the room, 
And the early morn had come. 

Holy hour of early morn, 
When another day is born. 
Pure and fair it comes from heaven, 
Priceless boon to mortals given ! 
Who shall keep its record pure. 
That forever must endure ? 
When its calm pervades the breast 
Clearest thought is at its best. 

Then a secret voice within. 
Warned me ne ' er to seek to win 
One in life's fresh early bloom. 
Since my heart was but a tomb. 
Where was shrined one idol yet, 
Whom I never could forget ; 
Never, never, this it proved, 
Could I love as I had loved. 

41 



Now 'the right to me was plain. 
And I did not change again, 
But to keep my word in truth, 
I must send a song to Ruth. 
And I found this simple thing. 
One my mother used to sing : 



** A place in thy memory, 

Is all that I claim ; 

To pause with a sigh, 

When thou hearest my name, 

Another may woo thee nearer, 

Another maj win and wear, 

I care not though he should be dearer 

So I am remembered there. 



*' Far out on life's darkening billow. 

My bark has been tossed. 

My bc3om can never recover. 

The light it hath lost, 

As a young bride remembers a mother, 

She loves, though she never may see, 

As a sister remembers a brother. 

In the future remember me." 



Through the states I traveled then, 
Visiting the haunts of men. 
Cities on the Atlantic coast, 
Fair New England's pride and boast. 
By Niagara's side I stood, 
Gazed with awe upon its flood, 
Where the mighty waters roll, 
Proudly mocking man's control ! 

42 



To all mining towns I turned, 
And t heir different methods learned, 
Tarried at Chicago's mart, 
Dear to every western heart, 
In Kentucky's cave I stood, 
Drank from Mississippi's flood, 
Ne ' er content was I to wait. 
Till I reached the '' Golden Gate/' 

I was fain to tarry here, 
For the space of half a year ; 
Roaming this delightful land, 
On the fair Pacific strand, 
Till at length I sighed for home, 
Now I said no more I '11 roam. 
Boarding then the swiftest train, 
I was soon at Dee agai^i. 

! what joy my friends to meet 1 
All the miners flocked to greet. 
John and May said o ' er and o ' er, 

1 must never leave them more, 
And I seemed again a boy 
When the children danced for joy ! 
But fair Ruth I did not see, 

( She must now a sister be ). 

43 



I had purposed in my mind, 
Now to be a brother kind. 
Friendship would a solace bring, 
And I longed to hear her sing. 
Ever from a little child. 
Music hath m^^ heart beguiled, 
' Twas a charm that could impart 
Peace and rapture to m3' heart. 

Then the3^ told me Ruth was won, 
By a true and noble man, 
One they doubted not would prove 
Worthy of a woman's love. 
Proud and happy he to gain, 
One I had resigned with pain. 
Now ' twas plain for me to see 
She but pity felt for me. 

She was now at the sea side. 
There to dwell a happy bride ! 
Self command I scarce could keep ; 
Ah the heart of man is deep ! 
Much chagrined, if truth be told. 
That so soon she was consoled ; 
But these feelings I decried, 
'Twas self-love and wounded pride. 

44 



Soon, my better self regained, 
I could wish her joy unfeigned 
For I felt ' twas music's art, 
That had charmed my restless heart, 
Gentle Ruth, for thee ' tis best, 
May your life be truly blest ; 
All things fair to thee belong. 
Now farewell sweet child of song ! 

So I went my lonely way, 

Clouds hung round me dim and gray 

But a voice within my breast, 

Told me it was for the best. 

Since my youth such blight had known 

It was best to walk alone. 

Now the friendship of La Clear 

Was to me a solace dear. 

I had many new designs 
For the improvement of the mines, 
To this work I gave my soul. 
This must now my life control ; 
Labor is a sure relief. 
Sovereign balm for every grief, 
In this active, earnest strife. 
Now I led a tranquil life. 

45 



In the mines a marked success 
Came our efforts now to bless ; 
And to all ' twas plain to view, 
They were worked with profit, too. 
Even more than we had planned, 
Prosperous was our working band, 
Each contented at his task 
This was all that we could ask. 



But one night a vague unrest 

Took possession of my breast, 

And a deep abiding sense 

Of my spirits' loneliness, 

Came to dim hope's cheering beam. 

On that night I had a dream. 



In my dream, I seemed to stand 
On a narrow sea-girt land, 
All around the restless sea. 
In its wrath encompassed me ; 
While I gazed the cruel tide. 
Higher rose on every side. 
And the waves as dark as night, 
Threatened to o ' erwhelm me quite. 

46 



Then I breathed a fervent prayer, 
For I felt that God was there, 
And a peaceful trusting stole 
O ' er the tumult of my soul ; 
Winds and waves obey his will, , 
When he whispers " peace be still ! " 
And I felt this power to save, 
From the fur}^ of the wave. 

Then I heard a distant voice, 
How it made my heart rejoice ! 
Music sweet w^as borne to me, 
O ' er that dark tumultous sea 
Floating o ' er the waters dim, 
I could hear this trustful hymn ; 



"Rocked in the cradle of the deep, 

I lay me down iu peace to sleep 

Secure I rest upon the wave, 

For Thou, O Lord, hast power to save. 

I know Thou wilt not slight my call, 

For Thou dost mark the sparrow's fall. 

And calm and peaceful is my sleep, 

Rocked in the cradle of the deep. 

And such the trust that still were mine, 

Tho' stormy winds swept o'er the brine, 

And tho' the tempest's fiery breath. 

Roused me from sleep to wreck and death. 

In ocean cave still safe with Thee, 

The germ of immortality, 

x\nd calm and peaceful is my sleep, 

Rocked in the cradle of the deep." 

47 



Soon I saw a fragile boat 

On the angry waves afloat, 

Borne upon the troubled sea, 

Straight it came to rescue me, 

Seated in that boat was one 

I had known in j^ears agone. 

Yes 'twas Kate! With skillful hand, 

Soon she drew the boat to kind. 



Gravely, sweetly shone her face, 
With its calm, familiar grace ; 
Water-lilies crowned her hair, 
Breathing fragrance on the air ; 
Clad in robes of snowy white. 
Seemed she as an angel bright. 
Speechless, I, as one amazed. 
On her wondrous beauty gazed ! 



" Come," she said, " my boat is here, 
Leave this barren island drear. 
Safely shall my little bark. 
Bear you o ' er the waters dark." 
Then together did we glide. 
Out upon the waters wide. 

48 



Silently I watched her still. 

As she plied the oars with skill, 

As I oft had seen her row, 

In the golden long ago. 

Soon we gained a pleasant strand. 

And our boat was brought to land ; 

With delight it came to me, 

We were landed safe in Dee. 

*'Now," said she, *'my friend adieu, 
Constant is your love and true ; 
Since your star of love is set, 
And the past you ne ' er forget. 
Know for thee, my soul shall wait, 
Till 3^ou reach the pearl^^ gate ! " 
Clasped my hand with mute farewell, 
I was held as by a spell. 

Not a word my lips could frame, 
Though I strove to breathe her name, 
Not a sound the silence broke. 
She was gone, and J awoke. 
But her presence filled the room. 
With a mystic, faint perfume, 
And I felt the tender thrill 
Of her hand within mine still. 

49 



In the morn I sought La Clear, 
He my confidant so dear, 
Standing by the garden gate. 
All my dream did I relate, 
*'Now 'tis plain to me," I said, 
" That your cousin Kate is dead, 
And I take this for a sififn 
That in heaven she ' 11 be mine. 



" Patiently will I abide, 
Till I ' m called to cross the tide, 
And I trust 'twill not be lon^. 
Ere I join the heavenly throng 
There shall we unite I know, 
Who were severed here below." 



When I paused, he said : ''It seems, 
That you misinterpret dreams, 
I the interpreter will be. 
Katie lives, and she is free, 
For this message came toda^^ 
Long dela^^ed upon the way, 
That her husband died at Rome. 
In the spring she's coming home !" 

50 



Coming home ! Ah, could it be, 
She was coming back to me ! 
But the ocean rolls between, 
Weeks and months must intervene, 
But not idly will I wait, 
Till again I meet with K ate. 
For her sake each hour improve, 
Whom ' twas now no sin to love. 



Constant care the mines demand. 
Watchful eye and skillful hand 
And the miners lot is hard. 
From the sweet sunshine debarred, 
Sympathy afid helpful deeds. 
From the owners inost he needs ; 
To this work my soul I brought, 
Giving time and careful thought. 



Hope and joy so long unused, 
In my life was now infused, 
In the chapel with La Clear, 
I a constant worshiper. 
Often met with Harry Lee, 
As a brother dear was he. 

51 



Now a pastor with La Clear 
To his heart the work was dear ; 
In the service of the Lord 
They were minds of one accord, 
He who once the truth withstood 
Had become a power for good. 



Swiftly now the days flew b3% 
Filled with cheerful industry, 
Autumn breeze and wintry blast, 
Then the springtime came at last. 
When the grass was springing green 
And the trillium bells were seen, 
When the robin chose his mate, 
Then she came, the peerless Kate ! 



O ! that joyful coming home. 
From our midst no more to roam, 
Long the wanderer sighed for rest. 
In her native land the best ; 
Years had lightly left their trace. 
On that well remembered face, 
Now her presence warm and bright, 
Filled the house with life and light. 

52 



In the home of John La Clear, 
She was now an inmate dear, 
All the miners here had gained, 
She beheld with joy unfeigned. 
From her childhood she had sought. 
To ameliorate their lot ; 
Gladly now she lent her aid, 
To perfect the plans we made. 



Soon the children in the school. 
Witnessed to her loving rule, 
With a meek and gentle art, 
She had power to reach the heart. 
And her praise from old and young, 
Was the theme of many a tongue. 



Heavenly Father be Thou near 
When our skies are bright and clear. 
Let our lips with praise abound 
With life's choicest blessings crowned, 
May we ne ' er ungrateful prove 
To the bounties of thy love. 

53 



In our joy ^we need Thee more 
Than when storms of sorrow pour ; 
When sweet flowers strew our way 
Then more easily wre stray ; 
Guide us by Thy hand divine, 
Keep us Lord forever Thine. 

Quickly summer passed away ; 
On a glorious autumn day, 
In the chapel by the wood, 
Kate and I together stood. 

Miners' children dressed in white. 

Strewed our path with blossoms bright, 

Golden rod and asters gay. 

Miners all kept holiday. 

Here at setting of the sun, 

John La Clear pronounced us one. 

Now we journey on together, 
In sunshine and cloudy weather, 
Older, wiser, happier far. 
Love is still our guiding star. 
Not a love whose selfishness. 
Seeks alone ourselves to bless, 
But a boundless love and free. 
Reaching all humanity. 

54 



Sing, sweet robin, summer's fled, 

Maple boughs are crimson red ; 

Low the sun slants to the west, 

Empty is the down -lined nest, 

Let your plaintive notes be sober. 

In the golden - red October, 

Though the flowers have lost their prime 

Sing, and soar to sunnier clime ! 

LofC. THE END. 



55 



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